Rio Rancho's city council told Action 7 News that a recent change to one of their ordinances will allow the circus to come back and perform within city limits.

Years ago, as a part of their pet ordinance, city council banned commercial companies that had been merely charged with animal cruelty. It included companies that host rodeos, circuses and more.

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Yet, in 2013, city council decided the ban was too harsh. They said it was unfair to ban companies that had been accused but not necessarily convicted.

"This is America, you are innocent until proven guilty," said Alonzo Clayton, one of Rio Rancho's city councilors.

The amendment now allows companies to come and perform even if they have been charged with animal cruelty. They are not allowed if they have been convicted.Ringling Bros., Barnum and Bailey will make its way to Rio Rancho Aug. 8 after more than a year of having to find New Mexico venues elsewhere.

Clayton said he did his research before voting on the amendment. He said he found that the circus not only draws thousands of people into Sandoval County, but hundreds of thousands of dollars into Rio Rancho.

"About $100,000," he explained.

He said most of that money comes from wages and gross receipts tax.

"From payroll and also GRT from what the circus people buy! Gasoline, motels, hotels and restaurants," he said.

Clayton added that the circus also employs a lot of local workers, at least temporarily.

He told Action 7 News the circus is sure to be a good time.

"We're thrilled," he said.

Yet, not everyone is so thrilled. Clayton told Action 7 News since voting on the amendment and booking the circus, he alone has received more than 7,000 emails, letters and phone calls from all over the country protesting.

"We've had an uprising," Clayton went on.

People upset about the circus say the former ban wasn't about economy, but rather morals and values. Several people have written into the local newspaper complaining about the changes now allowing the company to come and perform.

PETA is also weighing in, citing various violations that Ringling Bros. Barnum and Bailey has been charged with and listing the problems that it claims the circus has.

They sent Action 7 News a statement, saying in part, "We're calling on the people of New Mexico to boycott the cruel Ringling Brothers circus."

The circus is Aug. 8 at the Santa Ana Star Center. Tickets are available.